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Memphis Style Pork Ribs

Mouth Watering Memphis Style Pork Ribs Recipe

The Memphis Style pork rib is one of the most popular styles of rib preparation. It has a blend of barbecue tradition and flavorful seasonings.
Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 5 hours

Ingredients
  

For the mop sauce

  • 1 ½ cups cider vinegar
  • 2 cups apple cider
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 3 tbsp hot sauce
  • 1 tbsp salt
  • ¾ cup BBQ Rub, recipe follows

For the rub

  • ¼ cup paprika
  • ¼ cup dark brown sugar
  • 2 tbsp black pepper
  • 1 tbsp salt
  • 1 tbsp celery salt
  • 2 tsp garlic powder
  • 2 tsp dry mustard
  • 2 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp cayenne pepper

Instructions
 

Preparing the ribs

  • Wash the ribs and blot dry with paper towel.
  • Place the ribs meat-side up.
  • Cut the line of fat on the base of the ribs to remove the cartilaginous rib tips.
  • Flip the meat over and cut off the flap of meat on the inside of the ribs. This is not essentially but will help prevent them from burning.
  • Remove the membrane on the back of each rack of ribs. You can use your fingers to pull it off but sometimes it's easier to use a paper towel or a dishtowel to get a secure grip.
  • Combine the ingredients for the rub and mix well. Liberally rub the ribs on both sides with the mixture.
  • Wrap each rib in plastic wrap then aluminum foil and let marinate for at least 4 hours, but over night is best.

Preparing the smoker

  • Presoak your wood chips in water for roughly an hour.
  • Place a drip pan in the center of your smoker with plenty of water.
  • A charcoal chimney is best to get your coals started. Once you have hot coals spread them out and put a health amount of your chips down.

Smoking the ribs

  • Place aluminum foil on the rack before placing the ribs down and another loose piece on top of the ribs.
  • Place the ribs on the smoker over the drip pan and cover the smoker.
  • Start basting with the mop sauce after 30 minutes, basting every 20-30 minutes. You will need to replenish the coals and wood chips form time to time as needed.
  • The ribs are done when the meat is very tender and it has shrunk back from the ends of the bones. At temperatures ranging from 200-250 your ribs should take roughly 4-5 hours however every smoker is different.

Notes

Cut each slab between the rib bones and serve with your favorite barbecue sauce on the side.